As part of a series of Earth Day-related events, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport presented its first GreeningATL Excellence Awards to companies and individuals that have contributed to sustainability efforts in and around the airport community at a luncheon today. 

“At Hartsfield-Jackson, we don’t want to be known as just the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, but also the most sustainable airport,” said Aviation General Manager Miguel Southwell. “Our guiding principles are very clear. We are focused on striking an effective, meaningful balance between environmental sustainability, economic stability and social responsibility. Today’s award winners illustrate our collective and demonstrated commitment to these goals.”

The keynote speaker for the GreeningATL Excellence Awards luncheon was Scott Seydel Sr., president and CEO of the Seydel Companies, a Georgia-based manufacturer of chemical products used in biodegradable packaging.

This year’s corporate winners of GreeningATL Excellence Awards are: 

• Energy Conservation and Efficiency – Groome Transportation: Shuttling airport customers across the northern half of Georgia requires a lot of driving. Groome Transportation has made a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by converting its entire Georgia fleet to clean-burning propane fuels. 

• Materials and Resources – Woodward Academy: Woodward Academy has worked to incorporate sustainability throughout its campus. Working with vendors to buy sustainable products when possible, the school has implemented a green cleaning and procurement program to reduce its environmental impact.  

• Footprint and Community Impact – Porsche Cars North America In making airport community its new corporate home, Porsche North America has brought leadership and resources to promote awareness of environmentally related issues. The company has mitigated its potential transportation impact by implementing sustainable commuting practices. 

• Innovation – HMSHost: Dedication to the environment is a vital part of everyday operations at HMSHost. The concessions company has demonstrated its leadership by seeking LEED certification for all of its restaurants and by donating 21,000 packaged items to the Salvation Army to help eliminate food waste. 

• Waste Management – Atlanta Airlines Terminal Corporation: AATC has long been Hartsfield-Jackson’s partner in establishing the recycling program for the Central Passenger Terminal Complex. It was through collaboration with AATC management that the Airport is able to increase its landfill diversion rates. 

The individual winners of GreeningATL Excellence Awards are as follows: 

• Innovative Leadership Award – Tim Slaney, Senior Director of Operations HMSHost: HMSHost is committed to reducing the impact of their company on the environment. Leading by example, HMSHost is a vital partner in helping ATL reach its sustainability goals.

• Community Leader Award – Ray Williams, Benjamin E. Mays High School: A passionate mentor and committed leader in sustainable agriculture, our winner is making an impact on the lives of the students at Benjamin E. Mays. Ray Williams is helping guide the next generation of environmental leaders by teaching students skills in agroponics, aquaculture and traditional food-growing methods.

• Eco-Employee Award – Pat Gallimore, Atlanta Airlines Terminal Corporation: Through hard work, perseverance and partner education by AATC’s Contract Services Coordinator Pat Gallimore, more than 548 tons of materials have been recycled at ATL.